diff --git a/.github/workflows/test.yml b/.github/workflows/test.yml
index ddea7bb..6666d42 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test.yml
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ jobs:
     strategy:
       matrix:
         include:
+          - php: '8.5'
+            wordpress: '6.9'
           - php: '8.4'
             wordpress: '6.8'
           - php: '8.3'
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6e22612..5cc8e5c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 * Tags:              liveticker, feed, rss
 * Requires at least: 5.0
 * Tested up to:      6.9
-* Requires PHP:      7.2
+* Requires PHP:      7.4
 * Stable tag:        1.3.2
 * License:           GPLv2 or later
 * License URI:       https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ Alternatively you can also use _Copmposer_.
 
 ### Requirements ###
 
-* PHP 7.2 or above
+* PHP 7.4 or above
 * WordPress 5.0 or above
 
 ## Frequently asked questions
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ Alternatively you can also use _Copmposer_.
 
 On WordPress 5 sites there is a Gutenberg Block available to embed a liveticker in your post.
 
-You can also use the shortcode  `[liveticker ticker="my-ticker"]` on WordPress 4 or classic-mode sites. 
+You can also use the shortcode  `[liveticker ticker="my-ticker"]` on WordPress 4 or classic-mode sites.
 If you want to define a custom tick limit, you might also add a limit with `[liveticker ticker="my-ticker" limit="10"]`.
 
 ### Can I use my own styles?
@@ -61,10 +61,10 @@ You can deactivate the default stylesheet on the settings page and include your
 
 ### Does the liveticker work with caching?
 
-If you activate AJAX updates (enabled by default), the JavaScript will automatically update the content, even when the 
+If you activate AJAX updates (enabled by default), the JavaScript will automatically update the content, even when the
 page is loaded from cached.
 
-If AJAX is disabled, it depends on your update and caching intervals. If you update your ticker every 5 minutes, a 
+If AJAX is disabled, it depends on your update and caching intervals. If you update your ticker every 5 minutes, a
 caching time of 12 hours obviously makes no sense.
 
 
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ caching time of 12 hours obviously makes no sense.
 ### 1.1.0 - 2020-05-02
 
 * Requires PHP 5.6 or above
-* Use GMT for automatic updates 
+* Use GMT for automatic updates
 * Gutenberg Block available
 * Ticks exposed through REST API
 * Changed AJAX update logic for embedded media compatibility
diff --git a/composer.json b/composer.json
index 06bdbc4..c4c3415 100644
--- a/composer.json
+++ b/composer.json
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
   ],
   "type": "wordpress-plugin",
   "require": {
-    "php": ">=7.2"
+    "php": ">=7.4"
   },
   "require-dev": {
     "dealerdirect/phpcodesniffer-composer-installer": "^v1.2",
diff --git a/includes/class-scliveticker.php b/includes/class-scliveticker.php
index 9c3324a..f27fe73 100644
--- a/includes/class-scliveticker.php
+++ b/includes/class-scliveticker.php
@@ -40,14 +40,14 @@ class SCLiveticker {
 	 *
 	 * @var array $options
 	 */
-	protected static $options;
+	protected static array $options;
 
 	/**
 	 * Marker if shortcode is present.
 	 *
 	 * @var boolean $shortcode_present
 	 */
-	protected static $shortcode_present = false;
+	protected static bool $shortcode_present = false;
 
 
 	/**
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class SCLiveticker {
 	 *
 	 * @var boolean $widget_present
 	 */
-	protected static $widget_present = false;
+	protected static bool $widget_present = false;
 
 	/**
 	 * Plugin initialization.
diff --git a/phpcs.xml b/phpcs.xml
index 654c4cf..7f80c9a 100644
--- a/phpcs.xml
+++ b/phpcs.xml
@@ -27,6 +27,6 @@
 	</rule>
 
 	<!-- PHP compatibility level -->
-	<config name="testVersion" value="7.2-"/>
+	<config name="testVersion" value="7.4-"/>
 	<rule ref="PHPCompatibilityWP"/>
 </ruleset>